Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

If you’re considering a day on the water during your Mauritius trip, this full-day catamaran cruise to Isle aux Cerfs promises a blend of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing. While it’s not a luxury experience, it offers enough adventure and memorable sights to make it worth your while—especially if you appreciate a spirit of laid-back fun and a good value.

What we particularly like about this cruise is the variety of sights packed into a single day: you get spectacular views of waterfalls and wildlife at Grand River South East, time to unwind on beautiful Isle aux Cerfs, and the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Plus, the BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks add to the relaxed island vibe.

One potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Preskil Island Resort in Mahebourg. For some travelers, this extra step might be a small inconvenience, especially if you’re staying farther out. That’s why we’d recommend this cruise mainly for those who enjoy a straightforward, self-arranged start to a day of adventure and relaxation.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who want a balanced day of sightseeing and leisure without a hefty price tag. If you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day on the water with friendly crew and scenic stops, this cruise could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Value for money: At around $82, it provides a comprehensive day with food, drinks, and multiple sightseeing stops.
• Diverse experiences: From waterfalls and wildlife to snorkeling and relaxing on a stunning island.
• Social and friendly atmosphere: Most reviews mention helpful staff and a lively crew.
• Consider the logistics: No included transfers, so plan to get to Preskil Island Resort independently.
• Time well-spent: The 7-hour duration balances activity and relaxation.
• Authentic Mauritian seaside adventure: It captures the essence of enjoying Mauritius from the water.

A Detailed Look at the Catamaran Cruise Experience

This tour begins at Preskil Island Resort in Mahebourg, a convenient starting point for many travelers staying near the coast. It’s a full-day affair, lasting approximately 7 hours, designed to offer a bit of everything: nature, wildlife, swimming, and good old-fashioned island fun.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

First Stop: Grand River South East Waterfalls

Your journey starts with a short stop at the impressive Grand River South East (GRSE). This stop isn’t just a photo opportunity but a chance to see a gorge ending in cascades—an ideal backdrop for some quick photos or a stretch of the legs. Reviews note that the waterfalls are quite scenic, with one traveler describing it as a “pictorial waterfall,” though the stop lasts only about 10 minutes. It’s free, but it’s more about a quick glance and appreciation rather than a lengthy exploration.

On the way to Isle aux Cerfs: Ile du Phare

As you cruise towards Isle aux Cerfs, you’ll pass by Ile du Phare (the Lighthouse Island), adding to the scenic journey that already offers plenty to look at from the boat. This makes the entire trip feel more like a scenic tour with multiple sights, rather than just a straightforward island visit.

Main Destination: Isle aux Cerfs

The highlight for many travelers is clearly Ile aux Cerfs—a picture-perfect island with soft sands and turquoise waters. Your visit here is divided into two main parts:

• Lunch on board: The tour includes a barbecue lunch, with the crew preparing a hearty meal that seems to satisfy most guests. Several reviews praise the BBQ as plentiful and well-cooked, making it a real highlight for those who enjoy good food with their sea breeze. Unlimited drinks keep you refreshed, whether you prefer soda, juices, or perhaps a cold beer or cocktail.

• Relaxing and swimming: After lunch, you’re free to explore or take a swim. Island time lasts about an hour, giving plenty of opportunity to float in the water, relax on the sand, or just soak up the sun. This free time is generally well-appreciated, though one review suggests the meal could benefit from more variety and better flavors.

Snorkeling and Wildlife: A Memorable Bonus

The cruise offers snorkeling gear for those interested in exploring underwater. While the reviews don’t specify the quality of the snorkeling spots, it’s an excellent addition for those who love marine life.

A particularly enchanting aspect of the cruise is the chance to see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat. One reviewer describes this as “the highlight of the journey,” emphasizing how magical it can be to spot these playful creatures in their natural environment.

Plus, the boat approaches the mouth of the GRSE river, where you might see monkeys and bats, adding a splash of wildlife to the trip. It’s a brief stop but one that offers a glimpse of local fauna in their habitat.

Onboard Experience and Logistics

Most reviews highlight the friendly and helpful staff, describing them as attentive and professional. The open bar and snacks are appreciated, making the day feel relaxed and geared toward enjoyment rather than formality.

The tour’s group size is capped at 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough to socialize but not overwhelming.

Pricing and Value

At $82 per person, this cruise provides good value, especially considering the included BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and sightseeing. It’s a package that balances price and experience, making it accessible for many budget-conscious travelers seeking a full day of fun.

While the tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, which could be a minor inconvenience depending on your location, the meeting point at Preskil Island Resort is straightforward to reach.

Review Highlights from Travelers

Many guests praise the overall value—one reviewer describes it as “superbe,” with the staff being “very kind” and professional, and the meals “very good.” Another mentions the “outstanding” crew and plentiful BBQ, emphasizing how much they enjoyed the day.

On the other hand, some reviews are more measured. One traveler notes that the dolphins were the only “special thing,” and that apart from the wildlife, “nothing much else” stood out, while criticizing the meal for lacking variety and flavor.

This suggests that while the core experience is enjoyable, expectations should be realistic—this isn’t a luxury cruise, but rather a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced excursion.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers looking for a fun, no-fuss day on the water. Families, groups of friends, and solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere will appreciate the casual vibe, wildlife sightings, and scenic views. It’s also a good choice for those who value good food and drinks included in the price.

If you’re after a more exclusive or private experience, this might not meet your expectations, but if you want a lively group adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and natural beauty, this tour fits the bill.

The Sum Up

For anyone in Mauritius wanting to combine sightseeing, wildlife, and relaxation into one affordable package, this catamaran cruise to Isle aux Cerfs offers a lot of value. It’s an easy way to experience the island’s beauty from the water—enjoying waterfalls, dolphins, and sandy beaches—all while savoring a tasty BBQ and refreshing drinks.

It’s not a luxury tour, but it’s genuine and lively, perfect for travelers who want a taste of authentic island life without stretching their budget. The friendly crew, scenic stops, and the chance to unwind on a stunning island make this a solid choice for anyone wanting to make the most of their day in Mauritius.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll need to make your way to Preskil Island Resort in Mahebourg for the start.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving enough time for sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the island.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, there are unlimited drinks, including an open bar, plus snacks provided on board.

What’s the main highlight of the trip?
Many travelers mention dolphin sightings and the relaxing time on Isle aux Cerfs as the most memorable parts.

Is snorkeling available?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and you can explore underwater scenes during the cruise.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.